The heartache goes on for England at the World Cup, having lost all three of the semi-finals they have contested since 1966. England fell to a 2-1 defeat against Argentina in Atlanta – after taking the lead from an Anthony Gordon goal in the 55th minute. It hurts to say this but Argentina were the best team by a mile. The manner of the defeat marks a new low for England, who always seems to choke when it most matters. One damning post-match statistic revealed that England had just 12 per cent possession after they went one up in the match. Questions have to be asked, most of all about the manager Thomas Tuchel, whose in-game changes, in particular his defensive substitutions when there was still so much of the game to play, proved nothing short of disastrous. When the heat was on, Tuchel shrivelled. More on him later.

Tuchel fluffed it big time, and in the biggest of matches

Tuchel fluffed it big time, and in the biggest of matches

What about the Argentinians? They were simply too good, in a completely different class, and blessed with the footballing genius that is Lionel Messi. He turned the game on its head. When Argentina went behind, they responded with an intensity and quality that left England chasing shadows. Their manager Lionel Scaloni was brave and clever with his substitutions. There was only likely to be one winner the longer the........

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